Based on the old Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days Rattrapante split seconds chronograph (Ref. PAM 319) that was first revealed back in 2009, the new limited edition Officine Panerai Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanium (PAM 530) replaces the heavy (and also, pricey) rose gold with light-weight titanium, but leaves intact the laconically decorated in-house automatic movement, as well as the familiar layout of its matte black dial.

Well, to be precise, the dial of this new timekeeper was slightly modified to make the watch look even more sober. As you can see, the familiar Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock were replaced with baton-shaped hour markers, and the other indices are substituted with tiny luminous dots. The same goes for the seconds track, which is now more usable thanks to its more precise scale with tiny Arabic numerals from 5 to 55.

But what is the most important, is that Panerai decided to keep their signature linear power reserve indicator. Left at its usual place at 6 hours, the horizontal scale is easily readable and also gives the watch its unique “vintage” flavor.

The Caliber P.2006/3 hand-wound movement is loaded with features (including hacking seconds hand and split-seconds chronograph), but also sports an impressive power reserve of more than 192 hours (whole eight days!) thanks for its complex and efficient winding system, which includes three large spring barrels that store all the power required by this massive timekeeper.

As the base model, the watch comes in a deliberately oversized titanium body. Measuring around 47 millimeters in width, the cushion-shaped, heroically built case will only look good on a similarly proportioned wrist of a man that spends at least 6 hours per week in a gym.

It is reported that the new Officine Panerai Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days Titanium Limited Edition will be officially revealed in about a month during the upcoming SIHH 2013 trade show. The minimum street price of $22,500 that the Swiss-based Italian brand recommends to sell the watch at seems a bit steep to yours truly.

However, it is partially justified by the gorgeous hand-wound in-house caliber and the fact that it is almost impossible to find a watch that would offer a similar combination of exterior styling and interior functionality. In other words, this timekeeper is designed by Panerai for the brand’s most loyal followers and in return the brand expects you to pay a (hefty) premium as a sign of ahem gratitude.